Monday, July 16, 2012

My FIRST Monday Made It!

As most of the modern world already knows, my sweet friend, Tara, hosts a linky party every Monday on her blog, 4th Grade Frolics. It's called Monday Made It, and I am surprised and awed each week by the variety of things that people create.

Now I am not the crafty sort. I have said many times: My craftivity score is -17. I can manage straight lines with my ancient paper cutter and I remain in awe of Ladybug Kristen and her circles. I have neither modged nor podged, and my only trip to a scrap-booking store was to purchase a burnishing tool that made straight creases in folded cardstock!

So, I woke up this morning reflecting: "I must MAKE something! What can I MAKE?"

Baby steps... Baby steps...

First I decided that I would MAKE some coffee. This is something I know how to do! But I didn't think that would count for Monday Made It.



I had to finish cutting the numbers that label the tables in my classroom. And I had four different tasks going at once--including a task of making a task list! After that effort, it was pretty clear that I could MAKE a mess.



You can tell from the picture above that I was formulating a plan...

A-Ha! I could add a little pizazz to my "Go Home" system.  This is something I could MAKE and share. I acknowledge there is little more than printing, cutting and folding--but it's a start, right?

The folders initially come with little tabs. I have never figured out how to print on those, so I developed my own system. First I made a series of rectangles that matched the size of the tabs. Then I printed the names on what would be the bottom "half" of the rectangles, and then raised the print up just the tiniest bit. I run these off on cardstock because, once folded, the thickness makes them stay in the divider tabs without sliding out. I cut the name tags with the paper cutter. I confess that I cut inside the lines so there are no "edges" showing (That's just the OCD talking...)


Being obsessed with having all things cut and folded straight, I made a template the size of the tab and marked the center. then I used a fancy, expensive always available tool: a T-pin (or a push pin, or a straight pin... usually whatever has tangled itself into my carpet!)


I fold the name tags and insert them into the divider tabs. I alternate the colors of the tabs and folders to make it easier for the kids to alphabetize (which seems to have become a vanishing skill).


I made a label--my first real creation with "digital papers." (After eleven tries, just the label could have been the subject of Made It Monday!) The paper is from Just Jens Creations. I attached the label with padded adhesive strips because the circles are a little raised above the surface of the box.


And now it's finished! The "Go Home" mailbox is ready to go, awaiting those first day papers to be taken home. And I finally have something to share for Made It Monday... 




Click on the link below to see some really fantastic crafts and creations. Add it's time for you to get your craft on and join Tara's linky party... because it will be a lot more fun if YOU'RE there too!







48 comments :

  1. Kim---cute numbers!!! I do a similar thing with my mailbox. You've got me beat though---I STILL haven't linked up for a "Make it Monday!" Maybe next week.... :) Happy summer!

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    1. Hi Ms. D!
      Thanks for checking in. It took me WEEKS to come up with something to share. There's still time! I'll look for you next week : )

      Kim

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  2. very cute post! I loved your witty self bashing. So funny. But seriously that mailbox is SO CUTE!

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    1. Hi Reagan! I LOVE that you stopped by to say hello. Crafty, I am not. But I tried my best!

      Kim

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  3. ROTFLMAO Kim I don't care of you made anything or not, this post had me in stitches. I have a confession, I so wanted to make something today for made it Monday, but I failed. So see how much further along you are than me. And I do totally get you on the whole digital paper thing. Perhaps I could post the 18 powerpoint slides I played around with today to make printables, but I don't think that counts. I actually have a project in mind from Pinterest LAST summer, but my dear husband moved my little plastic containers somewhere in the basement and they have been AWOL ever since. I even yelled (gently) at him today that I want to do a project and he needs to fine where he put them. So I give you KUDOS for actually having anything to post!

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    1. Oh Sherrie: There are so few people that understand that not all teachers can MAKE stuff (Maybe that's why God invented stores!). I am surrounded by BlogFriends and IRL friends that just whip up stuff and it always looks fabulous! I'm sure I spend ten times more money on ink and paper and mistakes than I would have if had just bought the thing in the first place! Time will tell if this is a skill that can be developed.... Your comment made my day!

      Kim

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  4. I am SO stealing your "You've Got Mail" label! I was just thinking I need to label my crate. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Primary Inspired

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    1. Steal away, Brenda. The kids don't have a frame of reference... but it makes ME laugh...

      Kim

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  5. Haha! I started cracking up with the coffee. I made coffee today and considered it a success. I also spent too much money at Gap and took a nap. Perfect Monday!!

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    1. Now THAT is my kind of Monday! (I like any day that has a nap in it!)
      Thanks for stopping by, Jordon!

      Kim

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  6. Sigh, my craft score is also negative 17 :)

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    1. I look at it this way, Kristin... It can only get better, right? And if you've ever shopped at TpT, you'll feel glad there are people who can actually DO this stuff (and all I have to do is buy it, print it and cut it!) Thanks so much for stopping by my blog!

      Kim

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  7. What a cute idea!! I don't have anything mailboxy so I may have to do something like that! And like some others have said, making the coffee (which I also did this morning) is considered a success! You have great humor! I hope to join in eventually on Made It Monday...although I *did* just publish my very first teacher blog (finally!) after midnight...does that count?

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    1. Congrats on starting your blog, Ms. Apple Blossom. I'll be on the look-out for some more posts. Welcome to the BloggyWorld!

      Kim

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  8. Your Made-It turned out terrific! I love the colors and how perfectly the name plates fit in the plastic tags. As a fellow OCDer to another, I appreciate the extra effort. :)

    Amanda
    The Teaching Thief

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    1. Thanks, Amanda!
      Only a like-minded person would recognize the giddiness that goes with the precision of fitting those little labels into the tabs. Thanks for stopping by my blog. : )

      Kim

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  9. I too get giddy over the smallest accomplishments...digital papers? I am in awe...(note to self, google digital papers).

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    1. Hi Lisele:
      It was a digital papers pack that convinced me to try to create something that wasn't black and white with straight lines!
      I hope you give it a try...

      Kim

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  10. great ideas~ Thanks for sharing!
    I am your newest follower! I am a new blogger and love connecting with other teachers!
    Layla

    Fancy Free in Fourth

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    1. Hi Layla:
      Thanks for leaving a comment!
      Welcome to BlogLand!

      Kim

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  11. Kim -

    I giggled throughout your post. My husband agrees that the best thing I make is a mess too!!

    Lauren (aka "LIMS" haha)
    Life In Middle School

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    1. Hi Lauren:

      Some of my "best" projects have left me with the biggest messes! I always think even a little laughter can make any day a little better...
      SO glad you stopped by!

      Kim

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  12. Hooray for organization!!

    Deana
    firstgradechatter.blogspot.com

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    1. Hi Deana:
      Sometimes I think organizing for teaching makes me almost as happy as teaching! Thanks for leaving a comment!

      Kim

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  13. I so wish I could start making things for my classroom right now! Not knowing what grade I could be teaching or what school makes me feel in limbo...so I hate to make something and then need something completely different! :)

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    1. Hi Friend!

      I left you a comment about this on your blog... I hope you find out what you are teaching SOON!

      Kim

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  14. Ok--just catching up. This is so stinking funny. Love the organization, but my favorite thing you made was your coffee :)
    Elizabeth

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    1. Hi Elizabeth!
      My favorite thing about almost any day is my coffee. Think I have a little Starbucks obsession?! Good to hear from you BlogFriend!

      Kim

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  15. I had already followed your blog but , Tales From a 4th (and 5th) Grade, wants me to make a comment for her giveaway, so here I am!
    I use the banker box mail sorter... one bin per student... but I like your idea so much I will be borrowing your idea!! What a space saver!!
    Thanks for sharing!
    Peggy

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    1. Hi Peggy:
      That is the same transition I made! We were so cramped with all of those big sixth graders, I needed something that took up less space.
      Thanks for visiting,

      Kim

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    1. Thanks for the comment--and the compliment, Lisa!

      Kim

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  17. Welcome Shanyn. I'm glad you stopped by. I'm now following you too!

    Kim

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  18. I use crate for student filing too!

    Thanks for sharing!
    I think the labels will save me a lot of time.

    Fancy Free in Fourth

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    1. Hey Layla:

      If you are lucky enough to use the folders more than once, you have to make your own labels anyway. This way, they come out straight, and, in my mind, look better than they do with my crocked handwriting! Thanks for leaving a comment...

      Kim

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  19. Very cute & functional! I love the crate - it's creative!

    Sara
    MIss V's Busy Bees

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    1. Hi Sara:

      Thanks for leaving a comment. Now I'm off to check out your "busy bees"!

      Kim

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  20. Fabulous Kim! I love your first Monday Made It. Very nice indeed :). Now you can come make something for me because I can't seem to get myself in gear this summer!

    Stephanie

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  21. Nice work on your first Monday Made It!
    Diane
    schoolhousetreasures

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  22. Cute blog! I like your ideas!
    heidihoang@live.com
    heidi'skrazykinder.blogspot.com

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  23. I love you so much!!!!! I am honored that you made something for my linky. You know the coffee would have totally counted with me!!! I am so proud of you and your yummy creation!!! Super great idea:) Thank you so much for going above and beyond for my linky:) Huggies!!!! You crack me up friend:)

    4th Grade Frolics

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  24. Love it, especially your choice of color!!!!

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  25. I love the you've got mail crate!

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  26. Love your crate....I am pretty crafty but I am really having trouble with the digital paper! How to get it full paper??

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  27. I love your Monday Made It!! I have been thinking of ways to have a mailbox that didn't take up too much room. Yours is just perfect.... thanks for sharing. Oh, and I am your newest follower. I will be teaching 5th grade this year!

    jules416.blogspot.com

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  28. I've already started spending money and am NOT finished! Scaryyyyy.....

    We go back to school in 2 weeks (teachers), kids return in 3 weeks. I am biting my nails! Oh, wait-I already bite my nails. OK-I have butterflies! :)

    Have missed connecting with you lately. I will do better!

    Shannon
    http://www.irunreadteach.wordpress.com

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  29. Fantastic Idea!! Thanks for sharing!

    Christine
    Math Central

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  30. Ok, of course I'm a year late (and a dollar short!) but I LOVE this 'You've Got Mail' crate file! I HAVE to have this!
    Where on earth did you find a purple crate?
    BTW - I sympathize with your feelings of non-craftiness. I think I'm the only teacher alive who can't make a decent bulletin board. I hate them.

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